Collide Into Ruin

The heavy silence on Henry Kingsley's private boat was suffocating. The afternoon sun shimmered on the water as they sailed back toward the city, but the tension among the group made it feel colder than it should have. Emilia sat on the plush seating area, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edges of the table in front of her. Her mind reeled, trying to piece together everything that had just happened.

Hallie.

She couldn't believe Hallie would go that far. What had driven her to such lengths? Why had she wanted to hurt Sabrina?

Henry sat beside her, but his thoughts were elsewhere. His mind was consumed by the resort and the potential damage done. There was so much he had to fix, so much at stake. He sighed, running a hand through his hair, stealing a glance at Emilia. She looked deep in thought, her expression unreadable.

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Across the boat, Elias and Beau were fixated on the music box that sat carefully hidden between them. It was small, unassuming, but they knew it carried weight. What did it mean? Who had left it? And more importantly—were they supposed to tell Emilia about it now?

Meanwhile, Jason paced on the boat, phone in hand, thumbs flying over the screen as he texted the girls.

Jason: You two better be okay. Text me the second you're home. No excuses.

Jason: Actually, scratch that. I don't trust you. I need photographic evidence. Send a selfie with today's newspaper or something.

Lily was the first to respond.

Lily: Jason, relax. We survived. No kidnappings, no dramatic chase scenes. Just two responsible adults getting home like normal people.

Roxanne: Speak for yourself. I was kidnapped... by my bed. It held me hostage, and I have no plans of escaping.

Jason: Good. Because in two days, I'm kidnapping both of you. We're flying to Prague. Filming starts next week. I'm picking you up, no arguments.

Lily: Jason, we can book our own flights. You do know regular people also have access to airplanes, right?

Roxanne: Yeah, but do regular people get unlimited snacks and champagne at 30,000 feet? I say we let the billionaire spoil us.

Jason: It's not spoiling. It's efficiency. You're flying with me. End of discussion.

Lily: So bossy. You sure you don't secretly enjoy having minions?

Roxanne: Oh, he totally does. Bet he's already planned dramatic boarding music for when we step onto the jet.

Jason: ...No comment.

Lily: OH MY GOD, YOU HAVE.

Roxanne: Please tell me it's the Mission Impossible theme.

Jason: Be ready at 10 AM. If you make me wait, I'm sending security to haul you out of bed.

Lily: You wouldn't dare.

Jason: Try me.

Roxanne: Honestly, I kinda want to see him try.

Jason: I officially hate both of you.

Lily: Aw, we love you too, captain of the Jason Airlines Experience™.

Roxanne: Can't wait for our in-flight movie selection. Hope it's just a reel of Jason looking stressed.

Jason sighed, but despite himself, he couldn't help but grin. These two were going to be the death of him.